Jury deliberates in slaying of 83-year-old man

Jury deliberations resume this morning in the murder trial of Robert Earl Wilkerson, accused in the carjacking and shooting death of 83-year-old George Junior Pratt.
Defense and prosecution attorneys completed final arguments to the jury Thursday, and the jury got the case about 3:30 p.m., adjourning shortly after 5 p.m. without a verdict.
On Monday, the prosecution’s key witness, Leryan Scarlett, testified in Durham County Superior Court that he and Wilkerson were riding around Durham on April 7, 2010, looking for someone to rob, when they saw Pratt in his car on Franklin Street.
Scarlett said Wilkerson got out of the car and shot Pratt, then drove off in Pratt’s car as Scarlett followed and the victim lay bleeding on the ground. No money was taken.
Pratt died two months later from gunshot wounds to his legs.
Both men were charged with murder and armed robbery, but Scarlett struck a plea deal with the District Attorney’s Office for his testimony and is expected to face a lighter sentence.
Wilkerson’s then-girlfriend, Sharell Roberson, is charged with felony accessory after the fact and filing a false police report in connection with Pratt’s death. Her case is pending.